Background
- Listing: Grade A
- Date of building: mid to late-14th century
Web: www.portencrosscastle.org.uk
The lands on which the property stands were taken away from Godfrey de Ros and given to a loyal follower, Robert Boyd, in 1315 by Robert I, also known as Robert the Bruce. It is believed that Portencross was used on several occasions by both Robert II and Robert III and a number of Royal Charters were issued from the property making this a site of historic interest for Scots.
The four-storey tower house was built in the mid to late-14th century, with a wing added some years later. In the mid 1700s to early 1800s, the castle was given over to local fishermen who ripped out much of the interior, causing subsequent decay, which has never fully been arrested. In 1910 a concrete slab roof - a measure to protect the vaulted ceiling – was installed, but sadly this itself is now in an advanced state of disrepair. Preliminary discussions for a handover of ownership are currently taking place.